Penn State Office of Government and Community Relations

Last Friday, our office and Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Ott had the opportunity to host the Chair of the US House Committee on Agriculture, University Park’s local representative, Congressman Glenn Thompson, who toured the on-campus greenhouse facilities and learned about the important work happening at Penn State. It’s always an exciting time when we have the chance to talk with elected officials and learn what they are doing to continue supporting the great work we do at Penn State.As Congressman Thompson says, "food security is national security,” and Penn State’s Agricultural Science pushes the envelope daily to ensure that we are world leaders.

Toni Irvin, WPSU Director of Education and Engagement, and WPSU Advisory Board Member, Peggy Morgan, along with WPSU Executive Director, Isabel Reinert (not pictured) met with both PA Senate offices and central PA House offices, including meeting with Rep GT Thompson, to discuss the importance of public broadcasting and WPSU's role as a member of the Ready To Learn initiative. This initiative is to connect children’s media and learning environments to help build key skills for success in school and life, including functional literacy, critical thinking and collaboration, as well as showing them career options in age-appropriate ways.

I'm beyond proud to share that Penn State's THON 2025 has once again shattered records, raising an astounding (record-breaking) $17.7 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital! This incredible achievement surpasses last year's total by over $780,000 and highlights the unwavering dedication, passion, and generosity of our Penn State students and the entire community. THON is more than just a dance marathon—it's a movement that unites Penn State and the rest of the country in the fight against childhood cancer. Its impact extends far beyond the Bryce Jordan Center, reaching families in need, funding life-saving research, and strengthening the bond between Penn State and the State College community. Thank you to Mayor Ezra Nanes and State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine for recognizing this impact and officially designating State College as the City of THON! Your support means so much to the students, families, and volunteers who make THON possible. This happens when a community comes together for a cause greater than itself. We Are! #THON2025 #FTK #WeAre #CityofTHON

Congressman Lloyd Smucker took time to meet with Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Troy Ott, along with Dan Eichenlaub and Jim Shirk, Penn State's Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) representatives, to discuss the University's agricultural priorities, including NIFA funding that funds research and extension programs - including help to combat the rise of avian flu. Penn State faculty members and extension educators currently serve on a statewide avian flu task force chaired by the Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary, developing action plans and procedures related to biosecurity, depopulation, and disposal of infected flocks, issues relevant to small or backyard flocks, and other concerns.

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences received a $6 million state grant to establish a new location for the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System in western Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver in Monaca. The Animal Diagnostic Lab-West will provide critical resources to enhance animal health, ensure food safety and support the agricultural industry across the western region of the commonwealth, benefiting farmers, veterinarians and local communities.

Yesterday, in her testimony before the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Feb. 20, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi reinforced the vital role that state funding plays in furthering the success of Penn State students, driving economic development, and maintaining affordable access to a world-class higher education experience for residents across the commonwealth.

The Office of Government and Community Relations (OGCR) reminds all who may do business with federal and state government officials about Administrative Policy AD50, which provides guidelines on related contact or visits. Employees who engage in lobbying also are reminded to notify OGCR about such activities.

Our office started its THON celebrations a few weeks ago with an event in Harrisburg, which featured members from Four Diamonds, THON, and Penn State Health. Read about each of their unique perspectives on the event below!

Last week, Governor Shapiro proposed $60 million in new funding for Penn State, Pitt, and Temple, to be distributed through a new performance-based funding model during his annual budget address. Penn State is well-positioned to help realize these goals, and we’re eager to work with the governor on this worthy endeavor. https://lnkd.in/eHD9BsK2

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this amazing opportunity to share THON's impact with members of the General Assembly and their staff. We THON in TWO WEEKS!